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The internal challenge to Afghanistan’s ban on girls’ secondary education

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The Internal Challenge to Afghanistan’s Ban on Girls’ Secondary Education

As the Taliban’s ban on girls’ secondary education in Afghanistan continues to draw international condemnation, a growing rift within the regime offers a glimmer of hope that this draconian policy may be reversed.

A Rift Within the Taliban

Afghanistan’s interior and defense ministers, along with deputy foreign minister Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, are rumored to be supporting the easing of the education ban, which has been in place since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.

Akhundzada’s Opposition

However, Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada, the regime’s supreme leader, has deployed soldiers to Kabul airport to prevent other Cabinet members from seeking asylum abroad, indicating his opposition to any changes to the ban.

A History of Broken Promises

The Taliban’s ban on girls’ secondary education is just one part of a larger pattern of human rights violations, including the exclusion of girls from education and the restrictions placed on women’s rights.

Failed Promises

Despite initial promises to allow girls to attend secondary school and women to work “within the framework of Islam,” the Taliban has consistently reneged on these commitments, citing the need for an “appropriate Islamic environment.”

Afghan Girls’ Fight for Education

Despite the restrictions, Afghan girls have continued to fight for their right to an education, with some attending underground schools, joining local homeschooling initiatives, or seeking remote-learning opportunities.

International Pressure

The international community, including Muslim-majority countries, must capitalize on the internal divisions within the Taliban to pressure the regime to reverse the ban on girls’ education.

Conclusion

The ban on girls’ secondary education in Afghanistan is a violation of human rights and a setback for the country’s development. The internal challenge to the Taliban’s ban offers a glimmer of hope for change, but it is crucial that the international community continues to urge the regime to reverse this draconian policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the current state of girls’ education in Afghanistan?
A: The Taliban’s ban on girls’ secondary education has been in place since 2021, with many girls being excluded from education beyond sixth grade.

Q: What is the current state of the internal situation within the Taliban?
A: A rift has emerged within the Taliban, with some Cabinet members, including the interior and defense ministers, supporting the easing of the education ban, while Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada, the supreme leader, opposes any changes.

Q: What is the impact of the ban on girls’ education on Afghan society?
A: The ban has exacerbated the country’s economic and humanitarian crises, pushing over half the population into poverty, and has led to a growing rebellion against the Taliban’s extremist policies.

Q: What is the international community doing to address the situation?
A: The United Nations is considering classifying gender apartheid as a crime against humanity, and the international community, including Muslim-majority countries, must continue to pressure the Taliban to reverse the ban on girls’ education.

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